Question about last minute medical emergency & points...

[Mischa]

I'm not sure where to post this, but since this is a DVC question, I figured I'd post here (and if it needs to be moved - please go ahead and move this to where it should go).

Here's the situation:

DH & I are DVC members (since May 2006 so we're still learning the ropes). I have a trip planned (me & a couple of girlfriends) beginning November 7, 2007 (getting back home on November 12), using the rest of our points for this year that need to be used by November 30th. Our "begin year" is December.

We found out today that DH most likely will need cataract surgery as soon as possible. He has an evaluation this Wednesday and they will schedule it then. His eye doctor wants to schedule it as soon as possible (like the 1st or 2nd week of November or sooner if they can arrange it).

Of course I didn't get any type of insurance (was never offered it when I made the reservation back in February this year so I never thought about it). My question is this, if I have to cancel my November 7th trip - what about my points? (we're talking 197 points). Am I correct in guessing that I would loose those points?

I've already made & paid for plane tickets (via United) and don't know what to do with them. I"m more concerned about the points. I really do not want to loose them.

I'm hoping that if the surgery is scheduled it is scheduled after I get back from Disney. DH will be so upset if 1) he ruins this vacation and 2) we loose the points.

I don't know what to do and I won't know when the surgery will be until the appointment next week. I'm just trying to get some idea of what might happen.

Thanks in advance for reading and for any light you could shed on this!

 

[Chuck S]

I'm really surprised if your DH need the surgery ASAP that they can't schedule it sooner, or wait until after you return from your trip. Mom had cataract surgery 1 week after being diagnosed as needing it, and was doing well enough after 2 weeks that she would have gone to WDW if we'd had a trip scheduled (though no rough rides that soon after surgery). Good luck to your DH.

But back to your question, your points would go into holding status, and could not be banked. Thus, given your use year and medical issues, I'm afraid you will lose those points. Sorry, I wish I had better news.

 

[Figment2]

Why not let your friends go? I realize they are your points, but why cancel their trip too?

JMHO.

Cyn

 

[Mischa]

Hi Chuck,

Thanks for the quick reply...thats what I thought - we might loose the points - but DH's health & eyesight is more important that's for sure.

Our eye physician was trying to get an appointment with an eye surgeon as soon as possible and the earliest appointment she could get was for this coming Wednesday. We'll know more after that appointment and we're hoping the surgery will be scheduled sooner rather than later. (Like before my trip!)

Thanks again!

 

[Mischa]

Why not let your friends go? I realize they are your points, but why cancel their trip too?

JMHO.

Cyn

For one the trip was my idea and if they would be willing to pay extra for the use of the points I wouldn't mind, but they won't. One gal can't afford it and the other more than likely can't afford it either. Plus I'm having an issue with one friend who is going but can't come up with the entire amount BEFORE the trip. (My fault for trusting that she would pay the entire amount before the trip as she promised.) I've paid for everything so far (tickets, airfare...etc.) and one friend has paid me back, the other has only paid a small portion.

So it might sound mean but I'd rather loose the points than give them a "present" by going without me. But I would return all monies that they have given to me up till now - so they won't be out any money, only I would be out financially.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Your points will go into holding and will expire at the end of your use year. So that only gives you until the end of the month. If you're not going to be able to use the vacation yourself, your best bet is to try to rent the reservation. You can post it on the rental board here. There are also other sites that specialize in timeshare rentals.

Make absolutely sure you call and cancel your reservation before your check-in date. If you wait until the check-in date, the points will be forfeited right away. With the holding account, you at least have until the end of the month. You may find that your husband is travel-ready by then. Of course, the issue at that point will be trying to find an available villa around Thanksgiving.

Of course, if they schedule the surgery for the first week in November, you can always try to get down there in October. You've got a few weeks for a quickly-planned trip.

Call the airline and ask them what their policy is on the tickets. You probably won't be able to get any kind of refund on them, but you may be able to pay a change fee and use them earlier or later than your original dates.

 

[mikesmom]

If worst comes to worst, you probably could rent the ressie. Lots of people on the Rent/Trade board lately trying to go in November.

 

[castleri]

Since your husband is not going on the trip or at least that is the way I read your post I don't think you have a real problem at all. Talk to the surgeon and find out just what is involved and explain about your trip. I bet you will find that you are worrying for nothing. My then 80 some year old aunt who lived alone had cataract surgery with a lens implant some years ago and it was done in the surgeons office and she only needed drops applied for a few days as well as the restriction about lifting and bending I think. Good luck with the surgeon and better luck with your "friend" who owes you money for this trip. The latter may be a bigger issue than the surgery. for a great outcome on both the surgery and the trip.

 

[Mischa]

I know I'm probably worrying about nothing (re: points/vacation). DH spoke to the eye surgeon today and they are trying to get him in for October 30th (which would be perfect!) They scheduled him for November 7 and he explained about me not being able to be there from the 7th through the 12th. and they said they get another day.

He really needs the surgery sooner (rather than later) due to his job (he just started as an auditor).

So it looks like I'm going on the trip; if worse comes to worse then I'll be looking into renting the points.

Thanks for all the good wishes!